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How close are we to building a fusion power station and what are the technical challenges to overcome?

Leading speakers from industry and fusion research will discuss these topics at a conference in Oxford this Autumn. CCFE's operator, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, is co-hosting the event with the Nuclear Institute at Wolfson College on 8 and 9 November.

The Realising a Fusion Power Plant conference is ideal for everyone with an interest in nuclear energy and knowledge transfer from fission to fusion. If you are a scientist, academic or industry supplier seeking to enhance your awareness of fusion, don't miss this chance to learn about what could be the future of energy production.

Delegates will hear about the latest progress in the biggest challenges in fusion: heating a gas of fuels to 150 million degrees C; exhausting immense heat loads; devising neutron-resistant structural materials; and making the whole thing remotely maintainable.

The programme will cover three key areas with a half-day session dedicated to each:

THE LANDSCAPE FOR FUSION POWER: Addressing the necessity of political and public acceptance, the importance of economic and social considerations and opportunities in technology development and R&D.

CONNECTING FISSION AND FUSION TECHNOLOGIES: Technology and knowledge transfer from fission to aid the realisation of fusion power plants.

FUSION SPECIFIC TECHNOLOGIES: Technology and engineering challenges unique to a fusion power plant.

In the afternoon of day two there will be a free technical tour of the JET fusion experiment and the new Materials Research Facility at Culham Science Centre.